Pearl River Superintedent: State Tests Useful, Required

Pearl River Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano wrote the following letter to parents to answer questions raised about the upcoming State Assessment tests in ELA, Math and Science.

Dear Parents,

There have been some questions regarding whether or not parents may opt their child out of the State tests that will soon be administered. The answer is no. According to the NYS Education Department, "There is no provision for allowing parents to opt their children out of State tests." (See attached memo from NYS Education Department).

In addition, the information from the State testing is used by the district in our planning for students and in making programmatic decisions. For example, the information is used to determine if academic intervention services are needed. Further, if at least 95% of students are not tested, the school district will receive a negative designation from the NYS Education Departmetn and this will impact not only our standing in the State, but will impact how some of our funding may be used.

If you have any questions concerning the assessment program, please contact your child's principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Sue Wheeler or my office. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

John C. Morgano, Ed. D

The Clarkstown Central School District sent out a similar letter last week. The memo from the New York State Education department and a copy of Morgano's letter are attached to this report.